During the course of their studies, students familiarise themselves with virtually all the percussion instruments in academic music, their playing techniques and repertoire, learning in depth the timpani, small drums, marimba, vibraphone and multi-percussion performance.
JVLMA has two percussion rooms, with a stock of instruments needed to perform world-recognised concert programmes and play in an ensemble. In the course of the studies, regular master classes with vice-professors are organised and there is an opportunity to study in the leading European universities under the Erasmus + programme. Once every two years, the whole percussion class of JVLMA takes part in the Percussion Plus festival of the Scandinavian and Baltic States, which includes master classes and concerts. Students are invited not only to play in the JVLMA symphony orchestra but also in various professional orchestras of Latvia (LNSO, LNOB, LSO and others).
On graduation from JVLMA, students are ready to perform in orchestras, become soloists or chamber music artists. One of Latvia’s most recognised percussion groups is Perpetuum Ritmico, which brings together the brightest percussionists of the young generation – Miks Bāliņš, Elvijs Endelis, Guntars Freibergs and Ernests Mediņš.
A significant part of the studies is also devoted to learning pedagogical skills. JVLMA students who have completed this training course and work in music schools and music secondary schools are in great demand. Their pedagogical achievements can be felt and heard in various competitions in Latvia and beyond.
Upon successful graduation of a Bachelor’s study programme "Music and Performing Arts" a Professional Bachelor's degree in Music is conferred upon a student, together with the sixth level professional qualification.
The integral curriculum of the Bachelor's studies, which in addition to academic and professional training courses also include the courses required for teaching, provides all graduates the corresponding pedagogical qualification (teacher of piano playing, violin playing, choral conducting, music theory, dance, etc.). Considering the requirements of
today's labour market, a number of study programmes allow students the option to obtain the right to work in a music school as a teacher of a different subject (to teach piano playing, music theory, a related wind instrument, etc.) as an elective course.
Upon completion of a Professional Master's degree programme a graduate is granted a Professional Master's degree in Music or Choreography. Upon successful graduation from the Academic Master's degree programme, a Master of Arts degree in Humanities is conferred.
At the end of academic doctorate studies, students receive a statement regarding the acquisition of a doctorate study programme and, after successfully defending the promotional work, obtains a doctoral diploma and a degree of Doctor of Arts (Dr. Art.).
